Sailing Supernovavideo
Installing solar and a big dish on our 1986 Catamaran [Ep. 46]
June 14, 2024 · 42 min · 21K views
What this video covers
The crew of the 1986 catamaran Supernova installs a new solar array and satellite dish while docked at a marina in Linton Bay, Panama. To stabilize the satellite dish, the crew splices Dyneema loops and attaches turnbuckles to the deck.0:48 They mount five semi-rigid solar panels using 3D-printed corner clips and X-shaped support braces, securing them to the deck with T-Rex Extreme adhesive.20:56 To manage the wiring, they install custom 3D-printed waterproof junction boxes, sealing them to the deck with Sikaflex.30:20 The installation process involves drilling through the deck, filling holes with thickened epoxy to ensure a watertight seal, and routing cables through deck glands.8:16 Frequent rain squalls and high humidity complicate the fiberglass and adhesive work, forcing the crew to perform tasks under a cockpit enclosure.20:40 The project concludes with the final wiring of the panels to the boat's electrical system.13:49 Proper surface preparation and the use of thickened epoxy for deck penetrations prevent water ingress and ensure structural adhesion for deck-mounted hardware.33:19
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